OUR STAFF

Alex's interest in funeral service started after his dad began working for the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in 2012. Eager to follow in the path of providing excellent service and care to the families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Alex started by obtaining his insurance license and working with families preplanning and prefunding their funeral services.  In 2017, he began attending Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa, for Mortuary Science, and in 2020, he became a licensed funeral director.

Alex is proud to be married to Rachel. They have a son, Lincoln, born in May of 2022, and they also have a dog named Urnie. 

Alex purchased the Brenny Family Funeral Chapels on January 1, 2025, with Magdalen Brenny, his sister-in-law. They are looking forward to continuing to serve the families in the Brainerd Lakes Areas.

Rachel was born in Rochester and grew up in the small town of Hayfield; she will forever call southeastern Minnesota “home.”

Rachel has been involved in funeral service ever since she was born; she and her family even lived in a funeral home until she was in 1st grade. The daughter of a first-generation funeral director and a registered nurse, Rachel has been surrounded by compassion and empathy since birth. Rachel’s younger brother is a second-generation funeral director working alongside her father.

Rachel followed in her mother's footsteps and received her Bachelor's of Science - Nursing degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI in 2019. She was a Registered Nurse at Essentia Health from July 2019-March 2025. Rachel recently graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in August of 2024 with her Mortuary Science degree. Rachel joined the Brenny team full time in March of 2025.

Rachel is proud to be married to Alex. They have a son, Lincoln, born in May of 2022, and they also have a dog named Urnie. 

Magdalen learned the value of a strong work ethic growing up as the oldest of four children on a dairy farm in Sauk Rapids, MN. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Morris in 2014, she met Wayde Brenny, the son of John and Karolyn Brenny. Magdalen and Wayde were married in the fall of 2017, and together, they bought the Brenny century farm in Rice, MN, that both John and Wayde grew up on.

After seeing the dedication and the compassion that the Brenny family has in serving families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Magdalen knew she needed to join their team. She joined the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in summer 2020, and she has never looked back. Magdalen recently graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in August of 2024 with her Mortuary Science degree. 

In her free time, Magdalen enjoys spending time with her daughters, Jayde and Ava; farming with her husband, especially in the spring during lambing and calving time; and spending time with her extended family.

Magdalen purchased the Brenny Family Funeral Chapels on January 1, 2025, with Alex Brenny, her brother-in-law. They are looking forward to continuing to serve the families in the Brainerd Lakes Areas.

Stacy, a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in mortuary science, has dedicated 31 years to serving as a funeral director. Known for his easygoing nature, he balances his professional life with personal passions, including hunting, traveling, and cherishing time with his wife, Jolee, and family. Deeply connected to the Motley area, Stacy’s commitment to his community shines through in both his work and personal endeavors.

Scott holds funeral director licenses in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Born in St.Paul, MN at the home for un-wed mothers adopted by a family in Colfax, WI where he was raised on a hobby farm and was a graduate of Colfax High School. He was a graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College with an associate’s degree in Hospitality Management. Later he attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and graduated with an associates degree in Mortuary Science in 1989. In 1996 he purchased Cashman Mortuary in River Falls, WI. In 2017 Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services was sold. Scott has three children, Camryn, Carson and Guthrie. He enjoys an occasional golf game, walking, dining out, discovering sushi and international travel. For the 37 years of active duty in funeral service, he enjoyed serving families in their time of need, guiding them to create a meaningful celebration of their loved ones life.

Melanie grew up in the Brainerd area and enjoys spending time out on the lake and walking on the trails. She joined the Brenny team in 2020 after the passing of her father-in-law. Melanie worked directly with the Brenny team in planning her father-in-law's funeral services and experienced firsthand the care, compassion, and dedication the Brenny team has to offer. 

Melanie has over eight years of experience as an office administrator and takes great pride in assisting families with creating a personalized memorial for their loved one. She currently lives in Baxter with her husband, Jon, and is very family oriented.

Tessa was born and raised in the Brainerd area. She joined the Brenny Team in August 2021 after seven years as a licensed assistant in real estate. Tessa enjoys spending time with her husband and her daughter, who is in Middle school at Lake Region Christian School. In her spare time, Tessa and her family enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling together. She is active in the community with volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity, church, and the VFW. Tessa is passionate about helping families through planning their loved one’s memorial service and providing caring service to them at a difficult time.

At just 23 years old, Isabel Bemboom brings a fresh perspective and a passionate commitment to her role at our funeral chapel. Inspired by her sister, Magdalen Brenny, and her rewarding work with families, Isabel knew she wanted to be a part of this meaningful mission. As the manager of the Staples Chapel, she takes pride in serving families in the Brainerd Lakes Area, ensuring they receive the support and care they need during important moments in their lives. Isabel’s dedication to her community is evident in her everyday work. Outside of her professional life, she loves spending quality time with her family, especially her cherished nieces, Jayde and Ava. Isabel believes that strong family bonds are at the heart of everything she does, both personally and professionally.

Alex is a dedicated Transfer Care Specialist and Funeral Assistant with over five years of experience in the funeral industry. Known for her compassionate approach and calm presence, she takes pride in supporting families during some of their most difficult moments.

Outside of work, Alex lives life in the fast lane—literally. She races her Subaru, explores the outdoors through kayaking and other adventures, and cherishes time spent with her family. At home, she’s kept company by her two beloved cats, Boots and Shrimp.

Maddie is from Nisswa and thrives on spending quality time with her family, creating memories that last a lifetime. A proud dog mom to Ellie, her playful companion adds a joyful spark to her everyday life.

Since joining the Brenny team in the summer of 2023, Maddie has brought her passion and enthusiasm to her work, quickly becoming a cherished member of the team. With her friendly demeanor and commitment to excellence, she’s excited to make a positive impact in the community.

Laci Sweet grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area and has always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their four boys, whether it's hunting, fishing, or simply exploring nature together. A proud hockey mom, she’s often found at the rink cheering on her kids and embracing the fast-paced, community-driven spirit of the sport.

Professionally, Laci is dedicated to helping families pre-plan meaningful services that honor their loved ones with care, compassion, and respect. She understands the importance of thoughtful preparation and guides each family with empathy and attention to detail.

Grounded in family values and a passion for serving others, Laci brings warmth, integrity, and commitment to everything she does.

Steve Suer joined the Brenny team in 2010. Officiating at services, he is one of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. Steve served his country in Vietnam and truly understands the value of our veterans and their families. He and his wife, Mary, have four kids and grandchildren, along with their sweet little fur baby, Dolly.

Jon is a Brainerd native with a heart of gold. Married to his lovely wife, Melanie, Jon is known for his willingness to help out with anything, whether it’s lending a hand or tackling a project. He treasures quality time with his family, often gathering around the grill for delicious meals and laughter.

With an easy-going personality and a big smile, Jon lights up every room he enters. You can also find Jon with a huge smile as his manages the dairy department at Schaeffer's in Nisswa. Jon’s warmth and commitment to his community make him a beloved figure, always ready to share a laugh or a helping hand.

Scott Hall is a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong commitment to service and community. A Veteran with a passion for photography, Scott balances his career and personal life with quality time spent with family and friends. With 19 years of experience serving at Habitat for Humanity, he has honed his expertise in community developmento and project management. Scott's dedication to making a positive impact continues to drive his work and connect him with meaningful initiatives.